Label stamping machine



3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 30, 1962 P. J. DEwYr-:R

LABEL STAMPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1959 Oct. 30, 1962 P. J. DEWYER LABEL STAMPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 30, 1962 P. J. DEWYER 3,060,850

LABEL STAMPING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Unite States Patent Oiitice 3,060,85@ earented oct. so, 1952 3,060,350 LABEL STAMPNG MACHNE Peter E. Dewyer, Libertyville, ill., assigner to York Tape Printers, Inc., York, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Aug. 14, 1959, Ser. No. 833,817 Claims. (Cl, lill-288) The invention relates generally to stamping mechanisms and more particularly to a device for stamping labels and the like.

The present invention is of particular use in connection with operations involving numerous items wherein it is desired to label ,each item of a group or operation to identify its relationship therewith as well as to identify the particular item from other items to which it is related. A typical example of such an operation would be in connection with the moving of the household goods of a party wherein each item could be labeled to identify the individual item as well as to identify the item as being one of the particular group.

in the use of labels for this purpose, individual labels are normally employed which are backed with a nondrying adhesive, the labels being obtainable in the form of a rolled strip of suitable material, as for example, paper, to which the labels are successively mounted, usually by means of the adhesive backing so that the paper strip thus forms not only the supporting medium for the label but also the protective backing for the adhesive layer, the backing being adapted to be stripped from the label to expose the adhesive at the time of use.

The present invention is :adapted to mark or stamp individual labels with suitable indicia for identifying the group with which the label is to be employed, as well as indicia for identifying the particular item on which the respective labels are to be employed. In the example referred to, the labels may be given a common number which identities the particular group or operation involved and 4successive labels given a suitable number identifying the particular article on which the label is to be employed. lf desired the identifying number or indicia may be run in duplicate, triplicate, etc., depending upon the nature of the items involved. v

The present invention therefore has -among its objects the production of a labeling or stamping machine which is exceedingly simple in construction, `compact and relatively light weight, whereby the same may be employed a portable machine and transported to the locality of the individual usage.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a machine which is substantially foolproof in operation, enabling unskilled and inexperienced persons to readily operate the same without difficulty or extensive training and which may be designed for either manual or motorized operation.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a machine which may employ a standard stamping mechanism, simplifying maintenance and replacement problems and which is provided with a novel ink supply structure, enabling operation over reasonably prolonged periods without attention.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

in the drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FIG. l is a side elevational view of the machine embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan View of the machine illustrated in FIG. l;

FiG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line 3 3 of FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of FIG. l; and

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken approximately on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional View through the ink pad supporting structure taken approximately on the line 6-6 of FiG. 3.-

in the embodiment of the invention illustrated the device is adapted to be manually actuated to operate the advancing mechanism and to sequentially actuate the stamping mechanism, such functions being performed by cam and eccentric structures.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally a base structure comprising a more or less generally triangularly shaped plate 2 having a pair of transversely extending base blocks 3 secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 4 extending through the plate 2 and threaded into the blocks. The base structure 1 may be mounted on a suitable supporting member, as for example, a tray-like structure 5 which may form the bottom of a suitable carrying case, the structure 1 being secured to the member 5 by any suitable means, as for example, screws 6 extending through the member 5 and threaded into the block 3.

The Label Advancing Mechanism Extending between the two base blocks 3 and secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 7, is a longitudinally extending bar 8 which is formed with a pair of slotted end portions 9, each of which is provided with a slot 1G* in the side edge thereof forming one side of a. guide for a plate 11, of a carriage, indicated generally by the numeral 12, the opposite edge of the plate being slidable in guide blocks 13 mounted by means of similar screws 7 to the respective base blocks 3 as clearly illustrated in FlG. 4. l l

Positioned adjacent each end of the plate 11 are respective uprights 14, each having a pair of spaced upwardly extending portions 15 and 16 operatively connected together by a cross member 17 which, as illustrated in FIG. 5, is positioned below the plate 11, the uprights 14 being secured to the plate by suitable means as, for example, screws, welding or the like. Supported by the uprights 14 is an upwardly extending plate indicated generally by the numeral 18, illustrated in the embodiment of the invention as being secured to the uprights by means of screws 19, the plate 18 having a pair of oppositely disposed generally triangular-shaped portions 21, each having a roller 22 pivotally supported thereon by means of a suitable pin 23 or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plate 2 is provided with a bearing hub 24 having a bore 25 therein in which is positioned a drive shaft 26 which rigidly carries a crank indicated generally by the numeral 27 comprising a radially extending arm 2=8 and a handle member 29. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the handle member 29 is pivotally connected to the member 28 by a pin 31 which passes through the portion 32 of the handle disposed in a laterally extending slot 33 in the member 23 so that the handle may be rotated from an operative position such :as that `illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, to a position -as indicated in dotted lines in FIGS. l and 2, whereby the overall width of the device may be correspondingly reduced by folding the handle inwardly.

Rigidly mounted on the opposite end of the shaft 26 is a generally heart-shaped cam 34 which has an effective diameter substantially equal to the longitudinal distance between the opposed surfaces of the rollers 22 carried by the plate 18, the cam 34- being disposed substantially in the plane of the rollers, as will be apparent from a reference to FlGS. 2 and 3, whereby reciprocation of the carriage 12, comprising the plates 11 and 18 and associated uprights 14, may be eiiected by rotation of the cam 34, rotation of the cam in either direction being operable to provide the desired reciprocation.

As illustrated in FIGS. l and 2, the labels L may be respectively'provided with a layer of adhesive A on their under face and adhesively attached to a strip of material `S of'suitable paper or other suitable materials, with the strip of labels being coiled on a suitable tubular form F of cardboard or the like to form a coil C of labels.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, suitable means may be Provided for supporting the coil C, that illustrated in the drawings ycomprising a standard 35 illustrated as formed from suitable sheet stock and having a base portion 36 suitably secured to the bottom Sas, for example, by vscrews 37 and an upright portion 38 on which is mounted a tubular coil supporting member 39, the latter being secured to the upright 38 byl suitable means such as screws 41 extending through the upright 3S and threaded into the member 39. The diameter of the member 39 is of arsize to receive and support the coil C and to insure retention of the coil thereon suitable means such as a retaining plate 42 may be provided, that illustrated having a generally U or V-shaped clip 43 secured thereto by means of a bolt 44 and nut 45 with the member 43 having its free ends inwardly turned as indicated at 46 in FIG., 2, whereby the respective dvenging legs 47 of -the member`43 may be sprung inV wardly toward one another by pressure on the plate 42 in an axial direction with respect to the member 39 with such leg portions friotionally gripping the internal surface of the member 39 to retain the plate 42 in operative position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Extending between the right-hand standards and 16 as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, is a roller 48 which is Vrotatably mounted on a pin 49 having one end seated in a 'bore in the adjacentupright 15 and the opposite end Vpositioned -in a bore extending through the upright 16 with the open end of the bore being closed by a screw 51 threaded into such bore and forming retaining means for the pin. l

Supported between the left-hand uprightsV 15 and 16, as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5, is a label-engaging pawl or Ydog indicated generally by the numeral 52, the latter being pivotally mounted on a pin 49 corresponding to the pin 49 having one end seated in a bore in the upright 15 and the opposite end in a bore in the upright 16, the latter bore being threaded and having a screw 51 threaded therein to retain the pin 49 in operative position. As `illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the dog 52 is provided with two downwardly extending triangular-shaped lingers 53, and it will be noted that the pin 49 is offset to the right of Ithe center of the dog VS2 so that the center of gravity is to the left of the axis of the pin as viewed in FIG. 5, thereby tending to rock the dog in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 5, Vand bringing the fingers 53 of the dog into engagement with the strip of labels.

Co-operablewith the dog 52 and suitably supported, as hereinafter described, in a relatively xed relation with respect to the frame structure 1 during reciprocation of the carriage structure, is a suitable pawl or dog indicated generally by the numeral 54, illustrated in the present lembodiment ofthe invention as being formed from resilient'spring material and being more or less T-shaped having a base portion 55 and a label-engaging finger 56, vthe end edgeportion 57 of which is adapted to engage the trailing'edge of the label.

In operation the labels are fed from the coil C between the plate li'and the roller 4S, along the upper face of the plate 12 and between the latter and the dog 52 as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. Upon reciprocation of the carriage by means of the crank 27 and cam 34, the ngers 53 of the pawl or dog 52 will engage the trailing edge of a label and advance the same with the supporting strip S thereof in a direction from right to left as viewed in FIGS. l, 2, 4 and 5, and following the end of the advancing movement of the carriage, as the latter returns from left to right, the lingers 53 will ride up upon the following seal, ythe edge 57 of the dog 54 engaging the trailing edge of such following seal as clearly illustrated in FIG. 4 to prevent movement of the label and strip in a return direction.,

The various parts of the mechanism are so proportioned that the travel of the carriage is slightly greater than the distance between corresponding portions of adjacent labels to be employed so that at the end of such return movement the dog 52 will be in the approximate position illustrated in FIG, 5 with the lingers 53 adjacent to and at each side of the finger 56 and the'la'bel-engaging edges of the fingers being positioned slightly to the right of the trailing edge ofthe label engaged by the iinger 56 so that upon the next advancing movement of the carriage, the fingers 53 will engage such trailing edge, picking up such label and advancing it to the left a like distance, at which time the edge 57 of the nger 56 will engage the trailing edge of the next succeeding label.V

It will be particularly noted that the advancing'mechanism is such that once set for the desired-feeding travel of the labels, the feeding distance will remain substantially constant without cumulative errors which would tend Ato improperly positionthe succeeding labels.

Likewise while I have illustrated the dog or pawl 54 as being of a resilient type, obviously a dog similar to the dog 52 `could be employed if desired.

The Label Stamping M echansm I'he machine is designed to use a standard type of stamping mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 58, that illustrated generally comprising a U-shaped frame member 59 having a pair of vertically extending leg portions 61 connected at their upper ends by a cross member 62, the latter having a guide sleeve 63 in which is reciprocally mounted an actuating rod or shaft 64, the upper end `of which terminates in a cap 65 having a pin 66 extending radially therefrom. Vertically reciprocable by Vmeans ofthe shaft 64 is a carriage 67, of U-shape, having a pair of leg members 68,'only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 3, connected at their upper ends by a cross member 69, the carriage supporting a plurality of numbering of other wheels 71V by means of which the labels may be stamped when the shaft 64 is moved downwardly. a

Pivotally supported by the base 59 is an ink pad assembly 'indicated generally by the numeral 72, and comprising a generally U-shaped supporting member 73 pivotally supported by the base 59 by means of pivot pins or screws 74, the member 73 having a transversely extending portion 75 upon which is supported a rectangular shaped member 76 having a plurality of ink pads 77 and 78 whichy are operative to supply ink to the numbering wheels 71 when the member 67 is in an elevated position as illustrated in FIG. 3. The member 76 may be secured to the cross member 75 by suitable means, as for example, a thumb screw or the like (not shown), the constructio-n being such that upon downward movement of the shaft 64 the inking assembly 72 will be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 out of the path of the member 67 and numbering wheels 71.

As Yillustrated Yin FIG. 6, the ink pad supporting member 76 is provided withirecesses 79 and S1 adapted to receive the associated pads 77 and 78, andV a pair of bores 82 and 83 with the walls S4 and 85, separating the pads from their associated bores, each being provided with a plurality of apertures 86 therein operatively connecting the bores 82 and 83 with the associated ink pad. The outer end of the respective bores 82 and 83 is operatively closed bya plug S7 tol form ink receptacles for each pad, each of the receptacles so formed being adapted to be filled with inl; through a ller opening 88 which is threaded to receive a closure screw 89 as illustrated in FiG. 6.

With such construction the pads 77 and 78 may be supplied with ink from the reservoirs thus formed, the ink being fed through the bores 36 to maintain the pads in a properly saturated condition and enabling the continuous use of the machine over a relatively long period of time. lt will be apparent that on the absence of an adequate ink supply, the use of a saturated pad, as commonly employed in connection with stamping mechanisms of the type illustrated, the ink supply would last a relatively short period of time, requiring the operator to periodically saturate the pads with ink. On the other hand, with the construction illustrated the inking assembly may be designed to supply sufficient ink to last much longer, depending upon the amount of labels utilized.

The stamping mechanism 58 is carried by a frame structure indicated generally by the numeral '91 which is illustrated as being formed from square bar stock and comprises a longitudinally extending member 92 having downwardly depending legs 93 at each of its free ends, the lower ends of the legs 93 being pivotally connected to the adjacent base blocks 3 by suitable means such as pins 94, which in the embodiment illustrated are threaded into the associated base block 3 and provided at their free ends with cylindrical bearing portions which extend into a complementary bore in the leg 93. Extending laterally from the bar 92 toward the plate 2 are a pair of spaced bars or members 95, the latter as well as the legs 93 being secured to the bar 92 by suitable means, as for example, welding. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the free ends of the -bars 95 are adapted to rest upon the cross member 8, the latter being provided with depressions 96 of a size to receive the free ends of the bars 95, whereby the latter may rest in a horizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 3. As will be apparent from a reference to FIG. 3, the leg portions 68 of the frame 67 are adapted to be positioned adjacent the opposed faces of the bars 95, each leg portion being secured to the adjacent bar by suitable means, as for example, cap screws 97 extending through the associated bar and threaded into the adjacent portion of the base 67.

As the supporting structure 91 is in a iixed relation with respect to the frame structure during operation of the device, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the pawl or dog 54 may be conveniently mounted on the adjacent bar 95 by means of screws 98 emending through the body portion 55 of the pawl and threaded into the :bar 95, the shape of the pawl 54 being such that it will normally bear lightly upon the strip S and engage the trailing edge of an adjacent label L in the event the strip S tends to move in a return direction during return movement of the carriage.

As illustrated in FiGS. `3 and 4, the plate 11 may be provided with a rectangular inset 99 of rubber or other similar resilient material which is disposed opposite the stamping mechanism 58 when the latter is actuated to provide a' resilient backing support for the label, directly opposite the numbering wheels 71 and thereby cushion the impact of the wheels with the label therebelow as well as provide means for accommodating any tolerances in connection with the travel of the numbering wheels and thus eliminate a critical adjustment of the wheels with respect to the labels which might then be necessary to insure an imprint on the label which was neither too light nor too heavy. With the construction illustrated a substantially uniform pressure is exerted `by the resilient pad or cushion, resulting in uniform imprinting of the labels.

'Ihe stamping mechanism is adapted to be operated by means of the crank 28, in synchronism with the movement of the carriage 18, this being accomplished by means of a connecting link 101 which is pivotally mounted on the cam 34 by a cap screw 102, on which is carried a cylindrical eccentric sleeve 103, which is positioned in a bore in the link 101, the head portion 104 of the screw being operative to clamp the sleeve 103 in adjusted position and retain the adjacent end of the link on the sleeve 103 with the shank 105 of the cap screw being threaded into a bore in the cam l34. As illustrated in FIG. l, the upper end of the link 101 is laterally oiset, as indicated at 106, toward the cap 65, the free end portion 107 of the link being provided with a longitudinally extending elongated slot 108 of a size to receive the pin 66 carried by the cap 65.

The location of the pivotal connection ofthe link 101 with the cam 34 and the position and length of the slot 10S are such that the numbering wheels of the stamping mechanism will be moved downwardly into engagement with the label when the carriage 18 is at the end of its advancing travel, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the impression taking place during the slight dwell in the cam. The length of the slot 108 permits the full travel of the link 101 in an upward direction when the pivotal connection of the link with the cam is at a point of maximum elevation which would be degrees from that illustrated in FIGS. l` and 3.

Likewise, the rotational adjustment of the eccentric sleeve 103 permits a tine adjustment of the throw of the stamping mechanism with respect to the cushion inset 99 and the face of a label thereon, to insure accurate stamping operations.

It will be apparent from the above description of the stamping mechanism and supporting structure that the frame 91 and with it the stamping mechanism 53 may be pivoted in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3 and indicated in dotted lines, the construction being such that if desired the frame 91 may be rotated until the bar 92 rests upon the bottom of the tray 5, with the stamping mechanism 58 in a substantially horizontal position, at which time, if desired, the ink pad may be removed and replaced, etc.

The link 101 may be readily disconnected from the pin 66 when the cam 34 and the pivot 102 for the link 101 are in a position approaching that illustrated in FIG. 3 by depressing the shaft 64 and the pin 66 to permit rotation of the stamping mechanism in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 3, the pin 61 withdrawing from the slot 10S. Preferably, the link 101 may be at an intermediate position suciently below the top of its stroke to move the dog 52 to a point where it will not interfere with movement of the pawl '54 when the stamping mechanism is rotated into a disengaged position.

Operation In use the coil of labels is placed on the member 39 and the retaining plate i42 placed in operative position as heretofore described. The stamping mechanism supporting frame 91 and the stamping mechanism are then rotated away from the cam disc 34 and carriage 11 to expose the latter, Ifollowing which the free end of the strip S of labels may be threaded between the roller 4S and the plate 12 and between the dog 52 and the plate as illustrated -in FIG. 5, and the stamping mechanism and frame 91 returned to their operative positions as illustrated in the drawings. It will be appreciated that as the pivotal axis of the -frame 91 and stamping mechanism is laterally offset with respect to the stamping mechanism, the action of gravity will readily maintain the stamping mechanism in operative position, and during the actual stamping operation, the application of force to the pin 66 on the actuating shaft 64 of the stamping mechanism is in a direction to irmly maintain the stamppg mechanism in its operative position illustrated in In threading the strip of labels under the dog 52 the strip is advanced to a point Where the leading edge of the leading edge of the ingers 53 will engage the trailing edge of the rst label so that upon rotation of the cam 34 by means of the crank 2S the strip of labels will be advanced to the end of the carriage travel, the Vlink 101 actuating the stamping mechanism as the cam 34 approaches the position illustrated in \FIG. 1. Upon continuation of rotation of the cam, both the stamping mechanism and the carriage will be returned to the opposite ends of their travel, the edge 57 of the pawl 54 engaging the trailing edge of the leading'label to prevent return movement of the strip of labels substantially as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, following which the cycle may be repeated.

It will be noted that While the travel of the carriage may be approximately equal to -the distance the strip of labelsV is to be advanced during each cycle of operation, Whichrdistance extends from the trailing edge of a leading label to the trailing edge of the next succeeding label, the travel of the carriage is not critical as the amount of travel imparted to the strip S is dependent upon said dis-f tancebetween the trailing edges of vthe labels and not upon a precise movement of the carriage. Thus the Vtolerances of the Vparts are not critical as the carriage may travel on its return movement a reasonable amount beyond the edge 57 of the pawl 54 without in any way affecting the amount of advancing movement imparted to the strip S as the dog 52 -will always pick up the trailing edge of the label substantially on a line with the edge 57 Vof the pawl 54 and every label will therefore be advanced the same amount, assuming that the spacing between adjacent labels is substantially uniform.

It will be appreciated that the particular indicia to be employed on the wheels 71 will depend entirely on the usage to which the labels are to be put and may vary in accordance with fthe desires of the user. Consequently,

Vsuch indicia may involve numbers, letters or other suitable identit'ying elements. Likewise, as illustrated in FIG. 6, two stamp pads 77 and 78V may be employed, each of which may be provided with its individual ink receptacle so that the identifying indicia may be stamped in two colors. When it is desired to =till the ink receptacles, the operator merely removes the screw 89 and, assuming that -the ink is contained in a tube or the like, the outlet of the tube is inserted in the ller opening and ink squeezed out of the tube into the receptacle; Other than as to the novel inking device shown and described and the mounting of the actuating pin 66 and associated cap 65 on the operating shaft of the stamping mechanism 58, the latter may be of any sui-table construction.

It will -be noted that while I have illustrated the use of a manually actuated crank, the device may be readily power driven by substituting a suitable driven pulley or sprocket for the crank and providing a suitable power source such as an electric motor to which the shaft 26 may be operatively connected. In such case the driving train preferably wouldinclude some form of speed reduction mechanism to provide an operating speed suit-V able Vfor the purposes. yIt will be appreciated that the size of such an electric motor would not be great and that such a motor could readily be mounted within the tray 5, as for example, adjacent either end of the tray, the driving mechanism extending beneath the carriage 11 to a point where it may be operatively connected to the shaft 26.

In either event, it will be apparent that the size and construction of the device is such that it is a portable machine which may be readily carried about to the intended place of use. To facilitate such usage, a cover 169, illustrated merely in broken lines in FIG. 3, may be provided, that illustrated having an outwardly offset peripheral flange 111 adapted .to overlie the adjacent external Vsurface of the peripheral portions of the side walls 112 of the tray 5. VThe cover and tray may be provided with any suitable form of connecting or latch members by means of which the cover may be releasably secured to the tray and in like manner the ytop of the cover may be provided with a suitable carrying handle or the like. Referring to FIGS. l, 2 and 3, it will be noted that the construction of the handle 29 of the crank 27, previously described, is such that the handle may be -pivoted through an angle of approximately ninety degrees to a position such as that indicated in dotted lines in FIGS. l and 2, whereby the handle 29 is disposed within the continesof the cover 109.

It will be particularly noted from the above description that I have provided a very efcient stamping mechanism for labels and the like, which mechanismfis exceedingly simple, having relatively few parts which are durably constructed and insure trouble-free, long-life operation of the mechanism. Likewise, the construction is such that various types of stamping mechanisms may be employed and a high degree of -exibility realized.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence, I do not Wish to be understood as limiting myself` to the exact form, construction, arrangement and ccmbination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by letters patent is:

l. In a label stamping mechanism, the combination of a base structure, a stamping mechanism having an actuating element supported by saidbase structure, a carriage carried by said base structure for reciprocation in a plane parallel to the stamping plane of said mechanism, and adapted to support a label in such stamping plane, said carriage adapted to receive and support a plurality of labels arranged upon a supporting strip, a cam member rotatably supported by said base structure, means carried by said carriage engageable With said cam to transmit movement of the latter to said carriage to effect reciprocation of the latter, an eccentric carried by said cam, a stamping mechanism actuating arm, pivotally connected at one end to the actuating element of the stamping mechanism and at the other end pivotally mounted on said eccentric, means carried by said cam'age operatively engageable with a strip of labels for retaining the supported strip stationary relative to the carriage during feeding movement of the latter, and means carried by said basepstructure engageable with such a strip of labels operative to restrict movement of said strip during return movement of said carriage. Y

2. In a label stamping mechanism, the combination of a base structure, a stamping mechanism'having an actuating element supported bysaid base structure, a carriage carried by said base structure for reciprocation in a plane parallel to the stamping planefof said'mechanism, and adapted Yto support a label in such stamping plane, said carriage comprising an elongated plate adapted to receive and support a plurality of labels arranged upon a `supporting strip, means for supporting a coil of label bearing strip material in alignment with said carriage, a (cam member rotatably supported by said base structure, means carried by said carriage engageable with said cam at points yspaced degrees apart, said points and the axis of said cam being `disposed in -a plane extending parallel to the plane of reciprocation of saidcarriage, means associated with said cam for effecting rotation thereof, an eccentric carried by said cam,Y a stamping mechanism actuating arm, pivotally connected at one end to the actuating element of the stamping mechanism and at the other end pivotally mounted on said eccentric, means carried'by said carriage operatively engageable with theV trailing edge of a label for retaining the supported strip stationary relative to the carriage during feeding movement of the latter, and means carried by said base structure engageable with thetrailing edge of a label operative to restrict movement of said strip during 'return movement of said carriage.

3. In a label stamping mechanism, the combination 0f a base structure, a stamping mechanism having an actuating element supported by said base structure, a carriage carried by said base structure for reciprocation in a plane parallel to the stamping plane of said mechanism, and adapted to support a label in such stamping plane, said carriage comprising an elongated plate adapted to receive and support a plurality of labels arranged upon a supporting strip, means for supporting a coil of label bearing strip material in alignment with said carriage, a cam member rotatably supported by said base structure, means carried -by said carriage engageable with said cam at points spaced 180 degrees apart, said points and the axis of said cam being disposed in a plane extending parallel to the plane of reciprocation of said carriage, means associated with said cam for eiecting rotation thereof, an eccentric carried by said ca-m, a stamping mechanism actuating arm, pivotally connected at one end to the actuating element of the stamping mechanism and at the other end pivotally mounted on said eccentric, a gravity actuated pawl pivotally carried by said carriage operatively engageable with the trailing edge of a label for retaining the supported strip stationary relative to the carriage during feeding movement of the latter, and a resilient pawl carried by said base structure engageable with the trailing edge of a label operative to restrict movement of said strip during return movement of said carriage.

4. In a label stamping mechanism, the combination of a base structure, guide members carried by said base structure, an elongated generally planar carriage reciprocably mounted in said guide members, an upright carried by said carriage adjacent each end of the latter, an upwardly extending plate operatively connected to and supported by said uprights, a pair of laterally spaced rollers carried by said plate, a generally heart-shaped cam rotatably supported by said base structure and disposed between and engageable with said rollers, rotation of said cam being operable to reciprocate said carriage, means at one end of said carriage for guiding a strip of labels theron, releasable means at the other end of said carriage for engaging the trailing edge of a label carried by such a strip, operative to move the latter with the carriage when the latter is moved in a strip-advancing direction, releasable therefrom when the carriage is moved in a returning direction, a frame structure for supporting a stamping mechanism, said frame structure having a pair of downwardly directed arms pivoted at their lower ends to said base structure, and having a pair of normally horizontally disposed arms having adjacent respective free ends normally disposed over said carriage and supported by an adjacent guide member, a stamping mechanism carried by said horizontally disposed arms, having an actuating member movable on a normally vertically disposed axis operable to stamp a label positioned on said carriage below said stamping mechanism, said carriage 4being provided with a resilient portion arranged to be disposed opposite said stamping mechanism when the latter is actuated, and an actuating link operatively connected at one end to said actuating member of said stamping mechanism, and pivotally connected at the other end to said cam member at a point radially spaced from the axis of the latter to form an eccentric operable to reciprocate said actuating member following advance of said strip of labels.

5. In a label stamping mechanism, the combination of a base structure, guide members carried by said base structure, an elongated generally planar carriage reciprocably mounted in said guide members, an upright carried by said carriage adjacent each end of the latter, an upwardly extending plate operatively connected to and supported by said uprights, a pair of laterally spaced rollers carried by said plate, a generally heart-shaped cam rotatably supported by said base structure and disposed between and engageable with said rollers, rotation of said cam being operable to reciprocate said carriage, means at one end of said carriage -for guiding a strip of labels thereon, releasahle means at the other end of said carriage for engaging the trailing edge of a label carried by such a strip, operative to move the latter with the carriage When the latter is moved in a strip-advancing direction, releasable therefrom when the carriage is moved in a returning direction, a frame structure for supporting a stamping mechanism, said frame structure having a pair of downwardly directed arms pivoted at their lower ends to said base structure, and having a pair of normally horizontally disposed arms having adjacent respective free ends normally disposed over said carriage and supported by an adjacent guide member, a stamping mechanism carried by said horizontally disposed arms, having an actuating member movable on a normally vertically disposed axis operable to stamp a label positioned on said carriage ybelow said stamping mechanism, said carriage being formed with a resilient portion arranged to be disposed opposite said stamping mechanism when the latter is actuated, and an actuating link having a longitudinally extending slot thereon adjacent one end adapted to detachably receive a pin carried by the actuating member of said stamping mechanism, and pivotally connected at the other end to said cam member at a point radially spaced from the 'axis of the latter to form an eccentric operable to reciprocate said actuating member following advance of said strip of labels, said slot being operative to limit movement of said actuating member until said carriage has been advanced.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

